“Start Quote

This really is an Armageddon scenario for local government which will have a severe impact on local services”

End QuoteAnthony ChristopherRCT leader

Council leader Anthony Christopher blamed any proposed cuts on the UK government's "reduced funding to Wales".

"This really is an Armageddon scenario for local government which will have a severe impact on local services," he said.

"No community in our area will be left unaffected during these difficult times."

He said such "savage cuts" to public sector funding has forced the council to consider its options in bridging the budget gap.

Mr Christopher said it will probably have to save more than the estimated figure of £56m.

"As stated previously, these initial set of proposals are certainly not ones which councillors would want to have to decide whether they should initiate a consultation on but the council has to consider alternatives to existing service levels when faced with the significant impact the UK government's austerity measures are having on local government funding in Wales," he added.

Leanne Wood, AM for South Wales Central and Plaid Cymru leader, said proposed cuts would "hit the most vulnerable sections of society".

She added: "The cuts to nursery provision will hit families with parents in work hard as they will have to foot the bill for another year of childcare, putting a strain on household budgets that are, in so many cases, stretched to breaking point as it is.

"This will hamper access to work for many parents and in some cases, jeopardise their continued employment."

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